John Olson at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
John Olson
Biography
Professional career
- Judge John R. Olson is the presiding judge of the Kirkland Municipal Court in Washington, serving since 2019 and currently running for re‐election in the 2025 general election
- John R. Olson has been Kirkland Municipal Court Judge since 2019, after serving as the court’s Commissioner and Judge Pro Tempore from 2006
- In the November 4, 2025 Washington General Election, Olson sought re‐election as Kirkland Municipal Court Judge
- His work has focused on restorative justice and connecting defendants with supportive services rather than punitive measures
Education
- B.A. and M.S. — University of Washington
- University of Puget Sound School of Law — J.D.
Additional information
- In December 2019, he was confirmed by the Kirkland City Council as Presiding Judge following the retirement of Judge Michael J. Lambo
- Judge Olson emphasizes community‐based solutions to local problems, believing in the power of local people to address local issues
- Prior judicial service: Judge pro tempore for Kirkland, Issaquah, Mercer Island, and Seattle Municipal Courts
- His role includes overseeing municipal court cases, managing court operations, and leading initiatives such as the development of a Community Court that uses local resources for housing, addiction recovery, mental health, and education to help individuals charged with low‐level non‐violent crimes reintegrate successfully
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Recording and broadcasting
Statewide
Washington GR 16 allows video recording, audio recording, and still photography by the news media in courtrooms only after the judge has expressly granted permission.
Video and audio recording and still photography by the news media are allowed in the courtroom during and between sessions, provided (1) that permission shall have first been expressly granted by the judgeWashington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗
Statewide
If a Washington judge limits courtroom photography or recording, GR 16 requires particularized findings on the record and treats open access as presumed.
Open access is presumed; limitations on access must be supported by reasons found by the judge to be sufficiently compelling to outweigh that presumptionWashington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media
King County - Municipal Courts - Kirkland
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked October 11, 2026.
Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster ↗Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media
Statewide source · PDF · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗